An administrative penalty in the amount of $200 shall be imposed on the registered owner or lessee of any vehicle impounded under this chapter.
(A) The penalty is an established fixed amount for the actual administrative costs incurred by the city agencies as the result of towing and impounding of vehicles, and the preparing, prosecuting, hearing, and disposing of criminal or traffic cases involving the use of vehicles and to deter criminal activity in the city.
(B) The administrative penalty shall be in addition to: (1) any other penalties that may be assessed by a court of law for the underlying violations; (2) any towing or storage fees, or both, charged by the towing company; and (3) any Hearing Officer fee imposed under Chapter 13.
(C) If there exists more than one registered owner or lessee of the vehicle in question, each registered owner or lessee shall be jointly and severally liable to the city for the administrative penalty.
(D) Any funds collected under this chapter as an administrative penalty shall be used at the discretion of the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, without need for appropriation, for law enforcement related activities including but not limited to the purchase or maintenance of police vehicles, equipment, or training.
(Ord. 1548, passed 10-3-16)